As part of our ongoing commitment to student success and retention, another of the key areas we are focusing on is enhancing the resources and support provided by our Center for Career Design. The plans for this area were in great flux when the original Momentum plan was created, so they were not listed as an activity.
With the completion of our strategic plan, and the redesign of IMPACTS Core, we are committed to leveraging the Center for Career Design in our momentum work. In order improve student retention and graduation rates, the Center for Career Design will play an integral role in guiding students through their professional development from the moment they arrive at CSU until they graduate.
- Career Exploration & Development Integration
- The Center for Career Design will be deeply integrated into first-year experiences and beyond, with clear pathways for students to explore careers early on.
- Enhanced Employer Partnerships & Internship Opportunities
- We aim to strengthen our connections with local and regional employers to provide students with more internship, micro-internship, and job-shadowing opportunities. This approach will give students real-world experience, further enhancing their employability and increasing retention by connecting coursework with practical application.
- Skills Development Workshops
- The Center for Career Design will offer workshops and seminars on topics like resume building, interview skills, networking strategies, and career goal setting. These workshops will be designed to address the specific needs of students across various academic focus areas, helping them build confidence in their future endeavors.
- Early Career Counseling & Job Placement Services
- The Center for Career Design will proactively work with students starting in their first year to develop long-term career goals. Through personalized job placement services, we will help students secure employment and internships aligned with their academic pursuits, ensuring that they are gaining the necessary experience to succeed post-graduation.
These efforts will not only improve student retention by providing tangible career opportunities and support but also address the broader goals of increasing graduation rates and reducing time to degree. By aligning career development with academic planning, the Center for Career Design will play a critical role in keeping students on track and motivated throughout their academic journey at CSU.
Observations and Next Steps
What has been least effective?
All our activities are in the initiating phase, so it is difficult to evaluate where we have been least effective in this phase of implementation. We completed initial planning in Spring 2024 and implemented most new initiatives Fall 2024, aside from Summer 2024’s Cougar Success Academy. We expect to learn more about how well our initiatives are performing at the conclusion of the Fall 2024 semester.
However, we experienced some difficulties launching Target X this fall. We needed additional licenses to be able to synchronize faculty calendars, which hindered full implementation.
We also had trouble relaunching FLCs, due to scheduling and current Banner limitations.
How has your institution made adjustments to your completion activities over the past year?
We have been in the planning and initiating phases of our projects, so everything has been implemented as originally planned. We expect to adjust in spring once success data is available for the fall semester.
Target X-additional licenses have been purchased and deployed so that faculty may begin to use the platform in spring.
FLC planning for Fall 2025 will begin in early spring and discussions will be needed to ensure adequate seats, ease of registration, and clear programming.
We are currently in the planning stages for an overhaul of our advising model. This will begin to roll out in late Spring 2025, with support from the NISS Implementation team. We are developing our QEP, which will incorporate advising, career, and community connections.
Where would you want to see student success efforts shift in the coming year(s)?
Student Experience and Engagement: Continue to scale and develop a more comprehensive first-year experience program and begin to develop scaled sophomore experiences.
Expanding Holistic Support: There should be a deeper focus on the non-academic aspects of student success, particularly mental health, and financial stability. Mental health issues and financial stress have been increasingly reported as barriers to retention, and addressing these could help improve graduation rates.
Stronger Focus on Career Readiness: Moving beyond just academic metrics, it is essential to focus on career outcomes. This could include internships, co-ops, and industry partnerships that give students real-world experience and help bridge the gap between education and employment.
Peer Mentoring & Alumni Networks: The Center for Career Design would like to launch a peer mentoring program, where upperclassmen can mentor first-year students on career development. We will also expand our alumni network to offer mentorship and career advice, fostering a sense of community that will encourage students to stay engaged and invested in their academic and professional growth.
These shifts, with a focus on mental health, career readiness, and holistic support, could provide a more comprehensive approach to ensuring student success in the coming years.
